Servers are devices which connect to other devices to provide services. The other devices are known as clients, and this setup is known as the client-server model. Services offered by servers include storing data, hosting websites, running applications, relaying information, and performing computations. Any device that offers services to clients that make requests can act as a server, but large IT organizations usually have specialized server devices which have sturdier hardware and software to operate reliably over extended periods of time and handle large loads.

Since most server operations directly impact end users, server performance issues need to be identified and fixed without any delay. This places server management among the most important functions of network monitoring.

What is server management?

Server management includes all activities performed to optimize server performance and minimize downtime. Server management involves two basic steps: network monitoring and server maintenance. Network monitoring tools will poll network devices, including servers, in periodic time intervals. Any discrepancies are alerted to the IT admins who perform server maintenance operations to restore normal functioning.

What are the different types of servers?

  • Web servers: Web servers store website information and send that information to any client devices that request websites using web browsers.
  • Application servers: Application servers allow client devices to use applications on web browsers over the internet or a local network.
  • Virtual server: Virtual servers host two or more virtual devices in a single host server for effective hardware utilization.
  • File server: These act as storage servers by storing files and folders over the network. Client devices can request resources from the server.
  • Database server: These are another type of storage server, but rather than individual files they store large sections of organized data or databases.
  • Mail server: Mail servers are used to store and relay customer e-mails.

Why is server management necessary?

Servers play key roles in day to day network operations, and improper management can lead to overtaxing of servers as well as performance degradation. Some server resources could also be under-utilized, which is a waste of revenue. To manage every aspect of a server, a network admin must have deep visibility into its performance and health as well as which services and processes are running inside it. There are various issues that necessitate server management:

Hardware issues

  • CPU utilization: Server CPU utilization is an important metric which impacts performance. When the CPU utilization approaches maximum usage, performance degradation becomes evident. This is usually caused by certain processes or services that overtax the CPU.
  • Disk space: Just like the CPU, disk space must also be monitored regularly. Network admins have to perform capacity planning in advance and must either free up space or get new inventory. If this isn't done, disk space will get exhausted and network operations will become disrupted.
  • CPU temperature: Servers generate a lot of heat as they operate. If they get too hot, their performance can take a turn for the worse. While most servers are equipped with temperature sensors and cooling systems, t'sit safer to manage it proactively.
  • Memory utilization: High demand software, processes, and services utilize a lot of RAM. Without proper monitoring or management, memory utilization will reach its capacity and inturn affects server performance Network admins have to manage memory utilization by eliminating some services that aren't necessary.
  • Remote datacenter management: As most IT infrastructures are hybrid nowadays, remote datacenters hosting server arrays aren't uncommon. These data centers need to be in a regulated environments where temperature, humidity, and access are in control.

Averting all these issues require proactive server management system in place.

Software issues

Servers must also be monitored for software issues as they can affect server performance and availability just like hardware issues. Along with critical processes necessary for server functioning, services like Windows services must also be monitored and managed. Old software and firmware must regularly be updated to avoid performance degradation.

Server management is necessary to keep track of the services and processes running inside server arrays, manage their operations, and keep track of software upgradation.

Data backup

Data backups ensure that key data isn't lost in case servers go down due to internal issues or during power outages. Backing up key data manually can be a very exhausting task for IT admins, especially considering that it has to be done frequently. Several automatic data backup tools are available in the market for continuous high availability back-ups. In case the server goes down, the back-ups kick in to resume normal operation.

Server security

Since servers handle sensitive information regarding companies and their customers, they are susceptible to attacks by malicious actors. For instance, an airline ticketing server could be targeted by hackers as it can contain passengers' personal information, credit card numbers, and itineraries.

Servers can be protected against attacks in multiple ways, such as installing anti-virus software, implementing log monitoring practices to alert of abnormal activities, changing passwords regularly, encouraging strong security culture among employees, and placing server arrays behind firewalls to protect them from external networks. Server management concerns security as well. Any deviation from normal server activities can be indicative of an attack. Servers could also have system vulnerabilities that need to be discovered and rectified.

ManageEngine OpManager: For the comprehensive server management

Server management is necessary for continued high performance operation with minimal downtime for servers. A good server management tool polls the devices in its network and generates real-time alerts regarding emerging issues. IT admins can then rectify the issues after tracking down the root cause.

A comprehensive server management tool not only alerts admins regarding server issues, but also helps enforce server maintenance activities. ManageEngine's network monitoring solution, OpManager, fulfills that promise. It is a comprehensive server management software that monitors network devices like routers, switches, storage devices, and virtual devices, but it has a special emphasis for server monitoring and management.

What makes OpManager the perfect server management software

Automate threshold configuration with OpManager's Adaptive thresholds feature

Server Management - ManageEngine OpManager

Servers can experience variation in loads on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. To set thresholds effectively, you have to study network activity and change them frequently, which will be an exhausting task. OpManager simplifies this with its adaptive thresholds feature. OpManager's server management serviceuses machine learning to study your network activity and applies thresholds on an hourly basis to your devices, vastly reducing your workload.

Track down network issues with OpManager's root cause analysis

Server Management Software - ManageEngine OpManager

When an issue is reported, it's imperative that you track down the root cause as fast as you can and fix it. OpManager's root cause analysis feature lets you compare graphical data from up to 20 devices in a window to compare and correlate the data to find the root cause.

Use automated Workflows for instant fault resolution

Server Management Tool - ManageEngine OpManager

You can use OpManager's drag-and-drop workflow builder to create automated Workflows. This allows for quick and automated troubleshooting, like restarting a service that went down, executing a script, or logging a ticket. With OpManager's server management solution, fault resolution is faster than ever.

Forecast reports for effective capacity planning

Server Management System - ManageEngine OpManager

Capacity planning involves calculating the number of days left until server resources like disk space, CPU usage, or memory usage are exhausted. OpManager's server management tool aids you in capacity planning with its forecast reports feature.

Virtual server monitoring with OpManager

Server Management Services- ManageEngine OpManager

With OpManager's server performance management,you can monitor performance and health of virtual servers as well as the VMs (virtual machines) running inside them. You can also View CPU utilization, disk space, and memory data for each of the virtual devices in a dashboard, as well as track VMs which are over-utilizing server resources and stop or suspend them.

Uphold SLAs with OpManager

Server Management Solutions - ManageEngine OpManager

IT organizations have service level agreements (SLA) to uphold, guaranteeing a quality of service using measurable metrics like packet loss, jitter, response time, etc. OpManager's server management platform lets you measure these metrics and alerts you when they violate SLAs.

Monitoring RAIDs and other storage devices with OpManager

Server Management Services - ManageEngine OpManager

Reliable storage devices are a pre-requisite for IT organizations. These storage devices also need monitoring for health and performance. OpManager can monitor storage devices like RAIDs, tape libraries, and FC switches.

Monitor power back-ups and CPU temperature

Server Management Platform - ManageEngine OpManager

It's important to have proper power back-ups for your remote datacenters and server arrays. Devices like UPSs also have to be monitored to ensure that they're ready to supply power whenever an outage occurs. OpManager's server monitoring can monitor UPS devices for parameters like charge, voltage, current, and battery performance over time. OpManager can also monitor CPU temperature, fan speed, and processor clock speed to prevent CPU overheating.

Visualize server racks with Rack view and 3D floor view

Manage Server - ManageEngine OpManager
Server Management for Windows - ManageEngine OpManager
 
 

Manage servers with a better visualization and intelligence with OpManager's unique network visualization tools. Thes tools allow you to view interactive maps of your server racks and 3D views of those racks in your server room floor. This is particularly helpful when you need to send technicians inside remote datacenters.

Whatever your server management requirements are, OpManager has got it covered. OpManager keeps a close watch on your servers and micro-manages its operations. Combined with its rapid network discovery, real-time altering, and advanced reporting capabilities, your workload is vastly reduced—letting you focus on more pressing tasks.

Keep server issues away with OpManager's server management.

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Customer reviews

OpManager
OpManager - 10 Steps Ahead Of The Competition, One Step Away From Being Unequalled.
- Network Services Manager, Government Organization
Review Role: Infrastructure and OperationsCompany Size: Gov't/PS/ED 5,000 - 50,000 Employees
"I have a long-standing relationship with ManageEngine. OpManager has always missed one or two features that would make it truly the best tool on the market, but over it is the most comprehensive and easy to use the product on the market."
OpManager
Easy Implementation, Excellent Support & Lower Cost Tool
- Team Lead, IT Service Industry
Review Role: Infrastructure and OperationsCompany Size: 500M - 1B USD
"We have been using OpManager since 2011 and our overall experience has been excellent. The tool plays a vital role in providing the value to our organisation and to the customers we are supporting. The support is excellent and staff takes full responsibilities in resolving the issues. Innovation is never stopping and clearly visible with newer versions"
OpManager
Easy Implementation With A Feature Rich Catalogue, Support Has Some Room For Improvement
- NOC Manager in IT Service Industry
Review Role: Program and Portfolio ManagementCompany Size: 500M - 1B USD
"The vendor has been supporting during the implementation & POC phases providing trial licenses. Feature requests and feedback is usually acted upon swiftly. There was sufficient vendor support during the implementation phase. After deployment, the support is more than adequate, where the vendor could make some improvements."
OpManager
Great Monitoring Tool
- CIO in Finance Industry
Review Role: CIOCompany Size: 1B - 3B USD
"Manage Engine provides a suite of tools that have made improvements to the availability of our internal applications. From monitoring, management and alerting, we have been able to peak performance within our data center."
OpManager
Simple Implementation, Easy To Use. Very Intuitive.
- Principal Engineer in IT Services
Review Role: Enterprise Architecture and Technology InnovationCompany Size: 250M - 500M USD
"Manage Engine support was helpful and responsive to all our queries"
 
 

Case Studies - OpManager

OpManager

Hinduja Global Solutions saves $3 million a year using OpManager

Industry: IT

Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS) is an Indian business process management (BPM) organization headquartered in Bangalore and part of the Hinduja Group. HGS combines technology-powered automation, analytics, and digital services focusing on back office proces

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OpManager

USA-Based Healthcare Organization Monitor's Network Devices Using OpManager and Network Configuration Manager

Industry: Healthcare

One of the largest radiology groups in the nation, with a team of more than 200 board-certified radiologists, provides more than 50 hospital and specialty clinic partners with on-site radiology coverage and interpretations.

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OpManager

Netherlands-based real estate data company avoids system downtime using OpManager and Firewall Analyzer

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Vabi is a Netherlands-based company that provides "real estate data in order, for everyone." Since 1972, the company has focused on making software that calculates the performance of buildings. It has since then widened its scope from making calculations

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OpManager

Global news and media company

Industry: Telecommunication and Media

Bonita uses OpManager to monitor their network infrastructure and clear bottlenecks

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OpManager

Bonita

Industry: Businesses and Services

Bonita uses OpManager to monitor their network infrastructure and clear bottlenecks

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OpManager

Thorp Reed & Armstrong

Industry : Government

Randy S. Hollaway from Thorp Reed & Armstrong relies on OpManager for prompt alerts and reports

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